Fuzz

I’m a very tactile person.  For this reason I like things like nice sheets, angora sweaters, kittens, fancy linen paper, and those fluffy grey Siberian hamsters.  However, one should really only have so many of these things (for me, sheets=6 sets; angora sweaters=3; kittens=none, but the fur behind Geoffrey’s ears is still kitteny-soft; over-priced paper=umm, several card sets and multiple blank books I like to stroke, don’t judge; hamsters=none, see kittens above).

Last year, as an alternative, I finally begged some knitting lessons from my mother.  Oh, heart.  I love the fibers, and I can create something in the end!  Granted, usually what I create is more along the lines of Yarn-Covered Cat than Wearable Object d’Art, but still…

Currently I have about 5 projects in the works, because that’s how I roll.  Two hats, one of which really only needs blocking and a pom pom to be complete.  A scarf for myself, a scarf for the hell of it, and a delicious, beautiful maroon mohair scarf for my friend’s birthday this weekend.  This mohair scarf is so pretty and soft and fuzzy I almost want to eat it.

(You may notice, not all of my works in process are scarves.  I consider this a HUGE step in my knitting development!)

Amy asked about learning how to knit.  There is no way I could learn from the Internet.  However, I also have spatial abilities just below those of my fish and I’m left-handed, so I needed a lot of hands-on to get my own hands going.  Now I’ve picked up some patterns and fancier stitches from the Internet.  I would recommend going to a nice yarn shop where a nice employee can help you find good beginner yarns* and needles and even help you get started.  Also, there is so much less acrylic to be had in the nice yarn shops.  I’m a natural fibers snob.

In my recent cool weather knitting resurgence, I have discovered knitting blogs.  And I’ve been lurking on them like nobody’s business.  I’m a big fan of this one, and now that I’ve mentioned it here I will just have to delurk so she knows where the thundering herd of three visitors is coming from.  Check it out, she’s funny and adorable with the cutest cats and great knitting tips.  My take on her Magic Scarf is one of my works in process.  And my hats follow her pattern.  And when I return from Africa I will be making a kitty pi to buy the Boy’s cat’s love so he’ll leave my G-baby alone.  And then maybe I’ll just move to LA and become a graphic designer and take over her life!

*Mohair, not a beginner yarn.  More like a pain in the ass, fuzz all over everything, split stitches, drop stiches, where the hell did that go anyhow kind of yarn.  Delicious, though!